‘Tis the season to be jolly and celebrate with family and friends, and there are so many fun ways to bring in the New Year and enjoy the abundance of festive cheer…
But not with fireworks. Chinese lanterns, light displays, water works, candles, confetti – be creative and make your New Year’s revelry both colourful and memorable. Just as long as you say ‘no’ to fireworks.
Animals across the country are oblivious to the pending torture of fireworks they are set to endure this festive season, and animal activists – as well as the law – wanted to remind residents of the dangers that fireworks pose.
“It’s best to keep your pets inside,” explained Eric Taljaard, a senior inspector at the SPCA in Maraisburg. “Tranquilise them if you have to. It’s essential to keep them calm.”
Taljaard also stated that if any stray animals are found by residents, they should contact the SPCA.
Friends of Rescued Animals spokesperson, Shayne Ephron, further appealed to the community to take animals into consideration during silly season. “Most of the animals are scared beyond their wits by fireworks. They don’t know what to do with themselves.
“When they are that scared, they tend to act out of character and do things they wouldn’t normally do. I’ve seen animals impaled from trying to jump over their fences. It’s horrific.”
Animals (dogs, cats and even horses) generally try to find shelter under which they can cower, continues Ephron, and when they can’t find something, they run away.
Community members wanting to celebrate these holidays with fireworks must remember that they need a permit. If caught doing so without a permit by Metro Police, they will be charged criminally in terms of the Ammunition and Explosives Act of 2000.
“A fine of up to R10 000 will be imposed on those found guilty of breaking the law and using fireworks. If they get caught, they will be charged for contravention of the bylaws,” said Nana Radebe of City of Joburg’s Emergency Management Services.
A fine of R1 500 can be incurred for the illegal use of firecrackers or fireworks in public. The bylaws also specify that only licensed dealers may sell fireworks.
